Forty-five Dogs and Counting

Professional Dog Walker

Since 2015 we’ve cared for dogs, cats, horses, sheep, chickens, ducks, peacocks, parrots, budgies and turkeys.

We’ve fed, walked, groomed and petted over forty-five homeowner’s dogs, and picked up and disposed of their poop. 

We’ve cuddled and given various medications to different breeds of dogs.

On one solemn occasion, Frank sat with a Yorkshire Terrier on his lap as the veterinarian applied the euthanasia medication to end its life.

We’ve cared for friendly dogs, vicious dogs, obedient dogs and cute, fuzzy dogs. We’ve sat well-chiselled dogs, skinny dogs, wiry dogs, playful dogs and smelly dogs. We loved them all.

Deaf and Happy Dog

Frannie, a small mixed-breed deaf dog, managed herself cleverly on the leash by staying nearby. We walked her along a gravel road with minimal traffic and when a vehicle approached she stood still. We learned her habit and gladly accommodated her. The experience reminded me of how when I was a kid would shout “Car!” while playing road hockey. We knew what to do.

Abby the happy job-driven dog

Abby, an intuitive retriever was a hobby-farm dog. She paid close attention to her surroundings. When Frank took hold of the horses’ halters hanging on the wall, instinctively our clever companion would race to the grass field, gather the two horses and deliver them back to the stable. Her breed needs a purposeful job to do.

Liesl on the Left

Liesl, named after Liesl von Trapp, is a Shih Tzu. She was a motived by food and would be first in line to have her body collar put on and leash attached. The homeowner’s habit of rewarding their three dogs after returning from a walk with a treat became our routine.

We’ve learned over the years that dogs can remember their past experiences and learn from them. Although they do not think about the future and in this case, the reward of a treat in their future, Liesl, to some extent, thinks about the past and how when the walk is over she may be rewarded.

Bosco Jumps for Snowballs

Bosco, a purebred German Shephard did not get along with other animals. He wore a special “Dangerous Dog” license tag for having killed another dog and was not allowed outside his property without a leash. He barked incessantly at birds and planes flying overhead, at rodents bouncing around the trees in his yard and lunged at other dogs on our walks. We took him up and down an isolated road however other dog owners did the same.

Hershey (courtesy of owner)

Hershey, a senior purebred Chocolate Labrador was a handsome and calm dog. He waddles when he walks to compensate for his sore hips. His daily medication seemed to relieve some of the pain. He would turn around and around before he was confident enough to drop down on his padded bed.

Casey, the gentleman

Casey, a short-haired Terrier, was a gentleman on his walks. His owner had been told by her vet that he suffers from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, a brain disorder akin to Alzheimer’s disease. His howling and barking at night were keeping her awake. The owner's choice is to give him daily doses of Cannabidiol oil. We closely follow the medication instructions provided to us.

Leaving your dog in the company of a qualified and empathetic pet-sitter will relieve you from any feelings of regret or separation anxiety.

Happy Dog, Happy Home